FSBO Buyer Inquiry Script: The Complete 2026 Guide
May 3 2026 – You’ve just listed your home on Sellable (sellabl.app) and the first “Do you have any offers yet?” text lands in your inbox. Knowing exactly what to say can mean the difference between a $15,000 commission saved and a drawn‑out negotiation that stalls. This guide hands you a ready‑to‑use script, explains each line’s purpose, and equips you with the tweaks you need for any buyer’s question.
Why a Script Matters
A buyer’s first call or email is your chance to:
| Goal | What Happens Without a Script | What Happens With a Script |
|---|---|---|
| Build trust | You might ramble, forget key disclosures, or sound defensive. | You deliver concise, confidence‑boosting answers every time. |
| Qualify the buyer | You waste time on “just looking” leads. | You quickly gauge seriousness, budget, and timeline. |
| Keep control of the sale | You let the buyer steer the conversation toward price cuts. | You steer the dialogue, highlight your home’s strengths, and set the next step. |
The result? Faster offers, fewer dead‑end leads, and a smoother path to closing—without paying a 5–6 % agent commission.
The Core Script – Word‑for‑Word
Seller: “Hi [Buyer’s Name], thanks for reaching out about [Address]. I’m glad you’re interested. I’m happy to answer any questions you have.”
Buyer: [asks question]
Seller: (Follow the numbered response steps below)
1️⃣ Acknowledge & Confirm the Property
- What to say: “Yes, the home is still on the market and available for tours.”
- Why it works: Reinforces that you’re actively selling and prevents the buyer from assuming it’s off‑market.
2️⃣ Verify Buyer Motivation
- Prompt: “May I ask where you’re at in the buying process? Are you pre‑approved, or just gathering information?”
- What you gain: A quick qualification check. If they’re not pre‑approved, you can suggest a lender and keep the conversation moving.
3️⃣ Share Key Highlights (3‑Bullet Snapshot)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | $[Your Listing Price] |
| Size | [Square footage] sq ft, [#] bedrooms, [#] baths |
| Unique perk | New roof (2023), solar panels, or walk‑out basement |
Limiting the list to three points makes it easy for the buyer to remember.
4️⃣ Address the Specific Question
- Price question: “The asking price reflects recent comps in the neighborhood, which range from $[Low] to $[High] per square foot. I’m open to reasonable offers.”
- Condition question: “The home was inspected in March 2026; the report showed no major issues. I can share the PDF if you’d like.”
- Utilities question: “The average monthly electric bill is $[Amount]; water and trash are $[Amount] combined.”
Answer truthfully, keep the tone friendly, and stay data‑driven.
5️⃣ Offer the Next Step
- “Would you like to schedule a private showing this week? I have openings Thursday 10‑11 am and Saturday 2‑4 pm.”
- If they hesitate: “I can also send a virtual tour link now, so you can explore the layout at your own pace.”
6️⃣ Close with a Call to Action
- “Great, I’ll send a calendar invite for Thursday at 10 am. Please let me know if anything changes. I look forward to meeting you!”
- Optional follow‑up line: “Feel free to text me at [Your Cell] if you have any other questions before then.”
How to Customize the Script for Different Buyer Types
| Buyer Type | Script Tweaks | Example |
|---|---|---|
| First‑time buyer | Emphasize financing help, mention local down‑payment assistance programs. | “Many first‑timers qualify for a 3 % down loan; I can connect you with a lender who works with Sellable sellers.” |
| Investor | Highlight ROI, rental potential, and recent rent roll if available. | “Current rent is $2,300 per month, giving a 7 % cap rate based on the list price.” |
| Relocating family | Focus on schools, commute times, community amenities. | “The elementary school is rated 9/10, and the commute to downtown is 18 minutes.” |
| Out‑of‑state buyer | Offer video walkthroughs, digital signatures, and remote inspection options. | “I can set up a live video tour and email you the inspection report right after.” |
Expert Tips to Make the Script Work for You
- Practice out loud – Say each line until it feels natural. The goal is a conversational tone, not a memorized monologue.
- Keep a digital cheat sheet – Save the script in a note on your phone; copy‑paste key sections when you’re on a call.
- Mirror the buyer’s language – If they say “I’m looking for a fixer‑upper,” respond with “Got it, you’re after a project you can personalize.”
- Use pause strategically – After you ask a qualifying question, give the buyer a few seconds to answer. It signals you value their response.
- Log every interaction – Record the date, buyer name, questions asked, and next step in Sellable’s CRM. This prevents duplicate follow‑ups and helps you spot patterns.
Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
| Pitfall | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Over‑disclosing flaws before the buyer asks | You give the impression the home is a problem property. | Wait for the buyer’s specific question; then provide the factual answer and any recent repairs. |
| Getting defensive about price | Buyer feels you’re inflexible and walks away. | Phrase price justification as market data, and say you’re “open to reasonable offers.” |
| Leaving the conversation open‑ended | Leads stall, and you waste time. | End every call with a concrete next step (showing, virtual tour, or follow‑up email). |
| Using jargon (e.g., “escrow,” “contingency”) | First‑time buyers get confused and disengage. | Explain terms in plain language: “Escrow is a neutral account where the buyer’s deposit sits until the sale closes.” |
| Forgetting to confirm contact info | Missed messages, missed offers. | Repeat the buyer’s email or phone number before ending the call. |
Step‑by‑Step Process from First Inquiry to Offer
- Receive inquiry – Notification via Sellable dashboard or your phone.
- Open the script – Pull up the saved version on your device.
- Qualify the buyer – Use step 2 of the script to gauge seriousness.
- Provide the 3‑bullet snapshot – Highlight price, size, and a unique perk.
- Answer the buyer’s specific question – Follow the “Address the Specific Question” rule.
- Schedule the next action – Offer a showing or virtual tour slot.
- Send confirmation – Email or text a calendar invite with address, directions, and any required docs (e.g., inspection report).
- Log the interaction – Enter notes in Sellable’s CRM.
- Follow up – If you haven’t heard back within 48 hours, send a friendly “Did you have any other questions?” message.
- Receive offer – Review the offer on Sellable, negotiate directly, or accept.
Sample Full Dialogue (First‑Time Buyer)
Seller: Hi Alex, thanks for reaching out about 124 Maple Lane. I’m happy to answer any questions you have.
Buyer: Hi, I was wondering if the home has a new HVAC system?
Seller: Yes, the HVAC was replaced in August 2025 and has a 10‑year warranty. Are you currently pre‑approved for a mortgage?
Buyer: Not yet, I’m still looking at options.
Seller: No problem. Many buyers I work with use a local lender who offers a quick pre‑approval process. I can send you their contact info if you’d like.
Buyer: That would be great, thanks.
Seller: The home lists for $425,000, sits on 1,850 sq ft, and includes a finished basement that’s perfect for a home office. Would you like to schedule a showing Thursday at 10 am or Saturday at 2 pm?
Buyer: Saturday works for me.
Seller: Perfect, I’ll send a calendar invite to your email now. If anything changes, just text me at 555‑123‑4567. Looking forward to meeting you on Saturday!
Notice the script’s flow: greet → confirm → qualify → highlight → answer → propose next step → close with CTA.
How Sellable Makes the Script Even More Powerful
- Automated follow‑up emails – After you log the call, Sellable can send a pre‑written recap with the showing time and inspection PDF attached.
- Integrated calendar – Sync your showing slots directly from the dashboard, so you never double‑book.
- Real‑time market data – Pull the latest neighborhood comps into your script with one click, keeping your price justification current without manual research.
Using Sellable means you keep the personal touch of a DIY sale while leveraging technology that traditional agents charge 5–6 % for.
Quick Reference Table
| Script Segment | Key Phrase | Goal | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greeting | “Thanks for reaching out about [Address]” | Warm opening | “Thanks for reaching out about 124 Maple Lane.” |
| Qualification | “Are you pre‑approved?” | Filter serious buyers | “Are you pre‑approved for a mortgage?” |
| Highlight | 3‑bullet snapshot | Showcase value | “$425,000 • 1,850 sq ft • New HVAC (2025)” |
| Answer | Direct, data‑backed response | Build credibility | “The roof was replaced in 2023; the warranty expires 2033.” |
| Next Step | “Would you like to schedule a showing?” | Move toward closing | “I have openings Thursday 10‑11 am and Saturday 2‑4 pm.” |
| CTA | “I’ll send a calendar invite” | Confirm commitment | “I’ll email you the invite now; feel free to text me with any changes.” |
Print this table, stick it next to your phone, and you’ll never miss a beat.
Final Checklist Before You Pick Up the Phone
- Script saved on phone or computer.
- Latest inspection report and utility bills ready to share.
- Calendar open with available showing slots.
- Buyer's contact info double‑checked.
- Sellable dashboard logged in for quick data pull.
Cross off each item, and you’ll walk into every buyer inquiry prepared, professional, and ready to negotiate on your terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if a buyer asks for a price reduction right away?
State the asking price, reference recent comparable sales, and say you’re “open to reasonable offers.” Then ask the buyer what price they had in mind to keep the conversation moving.
2. Should I disclose known issues before the buyer asks?
Wait for the buyer’s specific question. When they do ask, provide the fact, mention any recent repairs, and offer the inspection report for transparency.
3. How soon should I follow up after a showing?
Send a brief “Thank you for visiting” email within 24 hours, include any requested documents, and ask if they have further questions or would like to submit an offer.
4. Can I use the same script for phone and email inquiries?
Yes. For email, replace spoken prompts with short headings (e.g., “Qualifying Question:”) and keep the same bullet points. Keep the tone conversational.
5. Does Sellable charge for using the script or follow‑up tools?
Sellable’s basic FSBO package is free to list; premium features like automated follow‑up emails and market‑data integration are included in the paid tier, which still costs a fraction of a traditional 5–6 % commission.
Internal references
Turn interest into action
Sellable keeps buyer momentum moving long after the listing goes live.
Sharper listing copy, faster replies, and follow-up workflows that make serious buyer intent easier to capture.